Tokyo Gives Housewives Hard Choice

Women, Long Told to Stay Home, Are Divided Over Proposed Work Incentives

By

Yoko Sudo

Aug. 24, 2014 9:42 p.m. ET

TOKYO—Japan's tax system has long sent the message that the ideal role for women is to stay mostly at home. Now, the government is weighing tax changes aimed at bringing more women into the workforce—a plan that is driving a wedge between some working women and homemakers who have benefited under the traditional system.